The sound of applause and cheers filled the competition arena. The Unified Dance team members smiled at each other as they took in the moment. Neighboring teams congratulated them. Parents lined up for photos and friends screamed from afar. The arena was filled with energy and excitement until the moment Unified exited the stage.
The Unified Dance team traveled to Grossinger Motor Arena in Bloomington Feb. 1 to perform at the IHSA state competition. The varsity dance team had competed there the day before.
According to senior and Unified peer Amulya Girada, Unified Dance is a program for students within the FLS and CASTLE programs. These students partner with peers to learn a dance and perform at the state level. From basic skills to choreographed moves, the peers help the students through the process.
Performing at state was a huge opportunity for the Unified Dance team, according to freshman and Unified dancer Sophia Dunlap.
“It’s always been my dream to go to state,” she said. “I used to dance at my house, and I always wanted to show my moves, but I would get too nervous. I sometimes get shy a little, but dancing with the team was really nice.”
Unified performed at halftime of the competition but didn’t compete for a category or score.
“It was just a fun experience,” senior and Unified peer Addison Yamnitz said. “We all just danced together and I tried to make sure everyone felt comfortable and welcome.”
Many peer dancers, such as Yamnitz, were grateful to be included in the experience.
“I am so lucky that I am able to do this,” Yamnitz said. “The students in the FLS program have changed my life and have become some of my greatest friends. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to dance and perform with them.”
Meeting new people and spending time with friends was the highlight for many of the Unified dancers.
“This was my first time and I just wanted to try something new,” freshman and Unified dancer Shamya Baldwin said. “I loved making new friends, seeing new faces and just having fun.”
Although learning the dance took countless hours of practice, dancing at state proved it was worth it for Girada.
“Performing at state was such a unique and amazing experience,” Girada said. “It felt so powerful because when we first started, it was rough. I was like, ‘How are we going to achieve this end goal?’ But as we worked with the students and showed them what they were capable of, it was just so cool to watch them grow, flourish and finally showcase it once the dance was flawless.”